The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 is the cornerstone of workplace safety law in the United Kingdom. It sets out the general responsibilities that employers, employees, and others have to maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
Purpose
The Act aims to protect everyone affected by work activities - including employees, contractors, and the public - by reducing risks and promoting safe practices in every type of workplace.
Main Goals
- Prevent injuries, illnesses, and risks linked to work.
- Make sure workplaces are properly managed and safe for everyone.
- Set out who is responsible for health and safety and how those duties should be carried out.
- Support the enforcement of safety standards through official inspections and legal action if needed.
Responsibilities Under the Act
Employers
Employers must take reasonable steps to protect the health, safety, and welfare of their staff.
This includes:
- Providing safe systems of work and well-maintained equipment.
- Ensuring a safe working environment and appropriate welfare facilities.
- Offering adequate training, supervision, and information.
- Assessing risks and putting suitable control measures in place.
Employees
Employees also have a duty to:
- Take reasonable care for their own safety and that of others.
- Follow safety rules and cooperate with their employer.
- Avoid tampering with or misusing safety equipment.
Suppliers and Manufacturers
Anyone who designs, manufactures, or supplies workplace materials or machinery must ensure that what they provide is safe to use and comes with the right safety information.
Enforcement
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities are responsible for enforcing the Act. They can:
- Carry out inspections.
- Issue Improvement Notices or Prohibition Notices.
- Prosecute individuals or organisations that break health and safety law.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to comply with the Act can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Fines or prosecution.
- Temporary or permanent business closure.
- Damage to reputation and employee trust.
NOTE: This summary provides a simplified overview of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 (HSWA). For the full legal text and official guidance, visit Legislation.gov.uk